| Date: 27-07-19The kids aren’t alrightReport: Harriershane |
The Harriers U23’s, plus Jimmy O’Connor and Richard Peniket, travelled to The Grove for the final pre-season friendly and were soundly dispatched by a Halesowen Town side fancied by those amongst the Midlands grassroots scene to return to Step 3 at the first time of asking.
Despite the comfortable scoreline, the game was actually evenly contested for the opening half hour or so, with Montel Gibson forcing Tom Palmer into a couple of decent saves whilst for Harriers, Peniket would be denied by Brad Catlow.
With thirty two minutes played Harry Higginson was caught in possession by Gibson who drove into the box and fired at Palmer who spilled the ball into the path of Luke Yates who had a simple tap home. Eight minutes later it was 2-0 and a carbon copy of the first, Ethan Jones the beneficiary this time.
On the stroke of half time the Yeltz struck again. Gibson was once again at the heart of the action, driving at and between James Dutton and Higginson, committing and beating both before emphatically beating Palmer at the near post. An excellent solo goal from the former Notts County and Bedworth man.
HT : 3 – 0
It only took Halesowen five minutes in the second half to assert their superiority and get a fourth – Yates again in the thick of the action as he attempted to round Palmer before having to retain possession and squeeze home.
One sensed the hosts easing off the gas a little as substitutions disjointed the game and the Harriers began to have a couple of forays forward in the final quarter of the game. One such foray led to the goal. Jaiden White was bundled over on the angle of the box and, dusting himself down, whipped a cross-cum-shot into the far corner of the net.
What have we learnt? The kids aren’t alright, yet. We’re a few players short of anything resembling squad depth and the season starts next week.
Who said being a Harrier was boring?
Line up: Palmer, D Lowth, Dutton, O’Connor, Higginson, Hall, Scott, Fuller, Peniket, Trialist, White.
Subs: Mountjoy (gk), Brooks, S. Lowth, Fenlon, Rawlins.
FT : 4 – 1
Att: 411